Through a series of workshops, creators in the NCC program will learn from experts across disciplines on skills like finding sources and citing public documents to fighting misinformation. Each trainer brings with them a lifetime of experience, and will work with the class through discussions and assignments, where creators will put their learnings into action in their own work.
I put this program together with input from creators I find inspirational, personal experience, and input from people who simply follow creators and want to feel like the information they consume is factual. As a cohort, we’ll talk about our personal challenges and share experiences and learning materials in a private discussion forum. We’ll learn from each other, and these dedicated trainers.
Applications for this program close on September 28 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Joy Mayer on building trust
Joy Mayer (she/her) founded Trusting News in 2016 after a 20-year career in newsrooms and teaching. She spent 12 years at the Missouri School of Journalism, where she created an audience engagement curriculum and a community outreach team in the newsroom of the Columbia Missourian and also taught web design and print design. She lives in Sarasota, Florida, and can be reached at joy@TrustingNews.org and on LinkedIn.
The creator whose work adds the most to her life is Isaac Saul of Tangle News.
Imaeyen Ibanga on citing sources
Imaeyen Ibanga is a presenter, documentarian, and senior producer. The Murrow Awards, The Gracies, and New York Emmys all have recently recognized her work. Imaeyen was made for the internet, which means she’s team kitty cats, adores comment sections, and memes are her love language. And she believes TV is not dying because everything is TV.
The creators whose work adds the most to her life are 404 media, Garrison Hayes and comedian Alex Falcone.
Traci Lee on community and platforms
Traci Lee (she/her) is an award-winning digital strategist and media leader with a proven track record in content strategy, social media, and audience engagement. She has led impactful digital initiatives across major media brands including NBC News, Sony Pictures Television, The Walt Disney Company, and E! News, where she currently serves as Director of Social. Her work has amplified underrepresented voices, driven record-breaking growth on social and digital platforms, and bridged the gap between legacy and emerging media. Traci’s writing has appeared in Teen Vogue, Variety, and HuffPost, and she is a longtime advocate for alopecia awareness and diversity in media.
The creator whose work adds the most to her life is Annie-Mai Hodge of @girlpowermarketing.
Steven Potter on research and records
Steven Potter (he/him) has been a reporter for more than 20 years. On every beat — from politics and public safety to education and even entertainment — he’s chased down and demanded access to public records. He regularly argues with judges, lawyers and lawmakers to release documents they would rather keep to themselves. For the past decade, he’s served on the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council. He’s written for local newspapers, national magazines and nearly every flavor of digital news.
The independent news source whose work adds the most to his life is Isthmus.
Jessica Parker on creating partnerships
With over 17 years of experience in travel PR and as founder of Trip Whisperer, Jessica Parker (she/her) works across the full spectrum of the industry from airlines and hotel brands to tour operators and tourism boards. Her expertise spans influencer relations, brand partnerships, and innovative campaigns that bring destinations and experiences to life. A decade ago she launched Trip Whisperer, blending a passion for storytelling with strategic advisory services.
The independent newsroom and creator whose work adds the most to her life is hertelier and Hotels Above Par.
Adriana Lacy on business and safety
Adriana Lacy (she/her) is the CEO of Field Nine Group, a media and technology company driving innovation at the intersection of consulting, analytics, and storytelling. Within Field Nine Group, she leads Influencer Journalism, a first-of-its-kind agency that helps news organizations collaborate with creators to strengthen trust and engagement. Recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, Adriana has held roles in newsrooms including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and Axios, and now teaches media strategy to emerging journalists. She champions new models that bridge traditional media with today’s digital communities.
The creator whose work adds the most to her life is Impact because it delivers news and social issues in a visually engaging, accessible way that resonates with younger audiences.
And we’ll be announcing more trainers soon.